Bali is one of the most beautiful places in the world and an increasingly popular destination for tourists from all over the world. However, going to Indonesia isn't your average family road trip; there might be things you need that you don't think to pack. Before you get on the plane, take a close look at your toiletries bag and make sure you have everything you need.
Personal Care
First of all, you want to make sure you have everything you need for your personal care and comfort, from the medications you take every morning to the facial oil or cleanser of your preference. Your preferred brands and products may not be available to buy in Indonesia, so be sure to bring everything you'll need for the duration of your stay, and make sure it's packed correctly so it doesn't get confiscated or damaged during your journey. Exact specifications on what you can and cannot bring on a plane will vary from airline to airline
Skincare
Any time you're going to a tropical climate with lots of sun, sand, and salt, you need to pay special attention to your skincare regimen. Your usual regimen might not be suited to the climate and it's all too easy to end up with severe sunburns that will linger and make the rest of your trip uncomfortable. Make sure that your toiletry bag has plenty of long-lasting sunscreens and some kind of soother to help you heal comfortably when and if you do get sunburnt. This is particularly important if you're going to be at the beach or in the water at any point. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied regularly and sometimes it takes time for it to fully take effect, so make sure you know how and when to apply sunscreen in order to keep your skin safe and unburned.
Bug Repellent
Another consideration when visiting any tropical climate is to protect yourself from stinging and biting insects. At the least, they can make you itchy and uncomfortable when you're supposed to be enjoying yourself. The worst-case scenario is that you end up with an allergic reaction or getting sick from the bite. Either way, it's best to avoid getting bitten at all. In certain situations, you can achieve this by covering up, but that won't always work, and it won't always be practical. In a hot, sticky jungle or on a sunny beach, you won't want to wear lots of layers to protect yourself. Invest in some good bug repellents, ideally ones that aren't full of harmful toxins.
Sanitary Precautions
Another important measure to take when visiting Indonesia is to avoid drinking unfiltered tap water, which can make you sick. Bottled water is widely available, but it's smart to bring a personal filtering device for emergencies. However, even this isn't a complete guarantee. It's pretty common for tourists to end up sick. Maybe your salad was washed with unfiltered tap water, or you're simply unused to the exotic foods and flavors, or your immune system is worn down from the long journey and all the new people. Whatever the reason, it's wise to have a small stock of hand sanitizer to help prevent the spread of germs as well as medications to help you with digestive distress.
First Aid
It is always better to be over-prepared rather than underprepared. Have a stock of band-aids, sanitizer, and other basic medical supplies just in case you need them. It isn't exactly an item for your toiletries bag, but travel insurance is also a good idea, especially if you think there's a chance you could get injured on a long hike or while swimming in the ocean.
Part of enjoying any vacation is making sure you can smooth over the little bumps and upsets as quickly as possible, and that means being prepared. Don't overlook the importance of what's in your toiletries bag when you're packing. That bag is full of things you don't think about or notice until you need them and don't have them.
